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Award-winning holiday home documentary opens Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival

12 May 2025

After four years of filming, the journey of the Chodge, a multiple award-winning holiday home, opened the Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival in Auckland this May.  

Directed by Graeme Murray, the film follows the evolution of DCA Architects of Transformation Director Darryl Church’s holiday home from concept to completion. 

TheChodge has received international recognition for its unique ‘house within a house’ design, including being a two-time finalist at the World Architecture Festival held in Singapore.  

Darryl says the documentary captures more than just the build – it offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the design, the challenges faced and the unique vision that brought it to life. “The film provides personal insight into the journey; it’s a story about family, passion and perseverance. It’s a special project for me, being my family holiday home.  


The placement of a house within a house dissolves the boundaries between habitable spaces and outdoors. 

“About five years ago I suggested we should get a videographer to document the design and building of the Chodge. I wasn’t sure what for, I just thought it would be an interesting record of a project that we could use for marketing. 

“Let’s just say what started as an idea has turned into something much bigger. We’re so excited it has been picked up by the Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival.”  

Darryl describes the film as raw, honest and often humorous, reflecting on 15 years of dedication to building a sanctuary for generations to come. 


Inner spaces are cocooning, textural and warm, a divergence to the outer house which is crisp and light. 

Set in the South Waikato on the shores of Lake Whakamaru, Graeme Murray brings the landscape and project to life through authentic storytelling. “Seeing it on the big screen is amazing. It was never made with that in mind, so to have it as part of the film festival, it’spretty exciting,” he says. “It was incredible to witness the build unfold, from the initial ideas, to the creative process, to finally seeing it come to life.” 

Tickets are available through the Rialto Cinemas website. The Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival programme is available here. 

images Simon Devitt 

Published: 12 May 2025